Polidocanol at different concentrations for pleurodesis in rats

Purpose: We previously found that 0.5% polidocanol was more effective than Tetracycline for pleurodesis in rats. Thus, we conducted the present study to evaluate the efficacy of different concentrations of polidocanol for pleurodesis in rats.

Methods: We divided 54 albino Wistar rats into six groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were given isotonic saline, 35 mg/kg Tetracycline, and 0.6 mg of diluted polidocanol, respectively, being the daily recommended dose for humans. Groups 4, 5, and 6 were given 0.5%, 1%, and 2% polidocanol, respectively. All solutions were given intrapleurally in a volume of 0.5 ml. We examined the rats for macroscopic pleural adhesions and compared the mean values of macroscopic scoring among the six groups.

Results: The rats given polidocanol and Tetracycline had significantly more adhesions than the control group, and polidocanol at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 2% was more effective for pleurodesis than Tetracycline. The diluted polidocanol was not more effective than Tetracycline. There was no difference between the effects of the 0.5% and 1% concentrations, but the 2% polidocanol group had significantly more adhesions than the other groups.

Conclusions: Polidocanol at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 2% was a more effective sclerosing agent than Tetracycline for pleurodesis. While 2% polidocanol was the most efficient sclerosing agent, the daily maximum recommended dose of polidocanol for humans was not more effective than Tetracycline.